Reasons Patients May Need Surgical Dermatology

Skin Cancer Excision

If a skin cancer has been diagnosed or is strongly suspected, surgical excision may be necessary to fully remove the lesion. This allows for complete treatment while preserving surrounding healthy tissue whenever possible.

Skin cancer excisions are commonly performed for:

• • Basal cell carcinoma

  • Squamous cell carcinoma

  • Other suspicious or confirmed lesions

Benign Growth Removal

Not all skin surgeries are cancer-related. Many patients seek surgical removal of benign growths that have become uncomfortable, painful, infected, or cosmetically concerning.

These may include:

• • Cysts

  • Lipomas (fatty tissue growths under the skin)

  • Other benign or symptomatic skin lesions

Even non-cancerous growths may require removal if they interfere with daily comfort or quality of life.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure

We believe that understanding the process helps patients feel more at ease. On the day of your surgical dermatology procedure, you can expect:

• • Completion of a consent form outlining the procedure, treatment site, and potential risks

  • Careful cleansing and sterilization of the treatment area

  • Administration of local anesthesia (lidocaine with or without epinephrine) to numb the area

  • You will remain awake, but the area will be fully numb

Local anesthesia significantly reduces the risk of infection and allows for a safer, faster recovery. Once the area is numb:

• • A sterile surgical drape will be placed

  • The procedure will begin

  • Stitches (sutures) will be placed as needed

  • A pressure bandage will be applied

Patients are typically asked to return to the office 7–14 days later for suture removal.